ST. LOUIS, April 04, 2008 -- As the Swedish Air Force prepares to modernize its first C-130 aircraft, members of Sweden's C-130 program and Boeing's [NYSE: BA] C-130 Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) are working together to ensure success.
"We have a very big job ahead of us, but based on what we've seen so far, I am very confident with how the team is moving forward," said Fredrik Edh, Sweden's C-130 program manager. Edh and other members of Sweden's C-130 program recently visited Boeing Support Systems facilities in Long Beach, Calif., and San Antonio.
Under a $19.8 million contract signed in August 2006, Boeing will complete engineering manufacturing development for one Swedish aircraft. The aircraft is scheduled to arrive at Boeing's San Antonio facility in September for modifications and upgrades. A production contract to modify six additional Swedish Air Force C-130s is in the planning stages.
"Our partnership with Sweden is a great opportunity to leverage the best of Boeing. Our C-130 AMP team continues to generate value that benefits all of our AMP customers," said Meg Renton, Boeing C-130 AMP program manager for Sweden.
Sweden became the first European C-130 operator when it received its first aircraft in 1965. The country also is the first international C-130 AMP customer.
Boeing's C-130 AMP provides enhanced digital avionics that significantly increase situational awareness for the warfighter. The upgrade commonality brought to the C-130 fleet by the AMP also offers additional flexibility in assigning aircrew, regardless of the model design type.